Canvassbacks are usually some of the latest birds to feather out. I hate anything killed before Christmas as far as divers. The later in the season the better. 9 out of 10 brought in aren't good and mature.

Look at the tail. On early kills they usually are not all the same color with some brownish along with varying lengths. The head and necks on good birds are a brighter "red" compared to a darker one. Another spot to look at are the shoulders and where the neck joins the body on the back....you want a very distinct black/white line with zero brown or light colored feather tips.

If you have already shot one this year odds are against you. Yes, a decent mount can be made with early birds but why chance it unless this is your first or has special memories attached to it.

duxrus wrote:Canvassbacks are usually some of the latest birds to feather out. I hate anything killed before Christmas as far as divers. The later in the season the better. 9 out of 10 brought in aren't good and mature.